The coronavirus restrictions have disrupted all our social lives and daily activities, but for many people living alone the lockdown has left them particularly isolated.

But an initiative of our local Catholic Parish called ‘G’day Orange is looking to help.

“G'day Orange is a way of connecting people who might be feeling particularly isolated during the lockdown,” said Parish Priest Fr Greg Bellamy.

The program pairs volunteers with people feeling isolated at home and gets them to call every couple of days just for a bit of chat and social interaction.

“Our volunteers are not expected to be counsellors or professionals but just people who are willing to reach out and have a bit of conversation with people who might be stuck at home and feeling lonely,” Fr Bellamy said.

“But every time they ring, they are going to report to us and if there is some identified need with shopping or picking up medication or perhaps even counselling, the Catholic Parish can then help connect them with the right service provider.”

The idea has been enthusiastically taken up and more than 30 people have volunteered to help so far.

“So we are really trying to get the word out to people who might be at home and they still  may have family who get in contact with them — they don't have to be in a desperate situation, but they just might want a bit more of social contact,” said Fr Bellamy.

“And I encourage people not to think that there might be someone else worse off and then won't put themselves forward. It is really here for anyone who is feeling a bit lonely in this time and just want to talk to someone.”

If you would like to be involved as a volunteer, or you would appreciate a phone call every second day, you can register your interest at  www.gdayorange.org.au  or email gday.orange@gmail.com or call the Catholic Parish on 63622378.